As teenagers…
…..Battersea-born brothers Milton & Stewart Homan dreamt of owning a company which would allow them would to pursue their passion – American automobiles of the 50s and 60s. Armed with extensive automotive experience, an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the vehicles from the period and a joyous and infectious enthusiasm – the Homan’s founded Dream Cars in 1985. The company name was a nod to the extraordinary creations that were being developed in Detroit after WW2. At the start of the 1950s the American auto industry entered a Golden Age of design and engineering epitomised by the words of the General Motor’s legendary Harley Earl: “Go all the way – then back off”.
The brothers opened a showroom off the Queenstown Road in Battersea – a stone’s throw from the route of the ever-popular Chelsea Cruise; with their premises at Ingate Place becoming an impromptu social hub on the last Saturday evening of every month. ‘The Spirit of the 50s’ had found a home.
As the years passed, the business grew and moved to larger premises in Redhill, Surrey. ‘Event hire’ was an obvious area for the company to move into and renting classic Cadillac’s and convertible Chevy’s into weddings, proms etc. became a staple for the company.
In the early 90s Dream Cars became increasingly involved in the world of Picture Cars. After supplying numerous vehicles into high budget pop-promo shoots, it was perhaps inevitable that tv commercial productions would follow. But it wasn’t simply the Homan’s auto-expertise that appealed to production companies. Milton & Stewart brought with them a youthful enthusiasm and a personal touch that are still the foundation stones of the company.
More than 35 years after starting the company, Milton and Stewart still personally oversee every project. Whether it’s the supply of rare vehicles into a Hollywood studio film production, or a bespoke request for a particularly difficult-to-find classic – the brothers’ conscientious but positive approach is remains the same. And they’ve been joined by a new generation who are helping take Dream Cars into the future. What started as a dream for two young lads from South London has become a thriving family business operating across a diverse range of auto-centric markets.
The passion that was behind Dream Cars’ formation in the 80s is still the driving force behind the company today.